A man who stuffed two bottles of booze and a multipack of crisps down the front of his trousers after going shoplifting in Frome assaulted a female member of staff who confronted him.

Connor Moon went to the B&M Bargains store and was seen stashing the goods into his clothing.

However when he was warned by the victim not to leave he ran at her and pushed her out of the way causing the crisps to fall out of his trouser leg.

The 21-year-old defendant, formerly of Wivenhoe Court, Frome, but currently staying at an address in Bath, was brought before Somerset Magistrates at Yeovil in custody after being arrested by the police for failing to attend a previous court hearing.

Yeovil Magistrates

He pleaded guilty to stealing food and drinks worth £11.68 at Frome on February 16 belonging to B&M Bargains.

He also admitted assaulting Shaunna Rutherford by beating her during the same incident.

Edward Counsell, prosecuting, said that on the day in question Moon was drunk when he went to B&M Bargains on Station Approach.

“He selected to bottles of alcohol and a multi pack of crisps and left without paying for them,” he said.

“They were concealed in his trousers, but as he left he was confronted by Shaunna Rutherford, a member of staff, but he ignored her instructions not to leave.

“He then ran at her, pushed her on the shoulder and dropped the crisps but the alcohol was never recovered.”

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When the defendant was interviewed by the police he made no comment, and the victim did not receive any injuries in relation to the assault.

Defending solicitor Ray Peters said that Moon was “clearly intoxicated” when he entered the store and carried out a very unsophisticated shoplifting offence.

“He was seen immediately by staff to select the alcohol and some crisps and was then approached by the victim who suggested he either pay for the items or return them,” he said.

“He then pushed her and left the store, dropping the crisps but taking the drink with him.